| Socio-demographic and reproductive health profile of women who experienced signs of obstetric fistula: Results from Pakistan Demographic and Health Survey (PDHS) 2006–2007 |
| Authors: |
Khan S., and Zaheer S. |
| Source: |
Midwifery, 54:61-66. doi: 10.1016/j.midw.2017.08.002 |
| Topic(s): |
Obstetric fistula
Reproductive health
Women's health
|
| Country: |
Asia
Pakistan
|
| Published: |
NOV 2017 |
| Abstract: |
Objective
to examine the socio-demographic profile of women experiencing signs of obstetric fistula and factors contributing to the development of this condition in Pakistan.
Methods
secondary data analysis of Pakistan Demographic and Health Survey 2006-07, which for the first time measured signs of obstetric fistula, using a questionnaire at a population level. For the present study, questions directly related to obstetric fistula signs were used to construct a dependent variable. Data were analysed by descriptive and logistic regression analysis, to examine factors associated with development of fistula.
Findings
among women of reproductive age (n = 9134, aged 15–49 years), some 277 (3.0%, 30 per 1000 women who ever gave birth) experienced obstetric fistula signs, whereas 103 (1.1% of all women) were still experiencing the condition at the time of survey. In a logistic regression model, women from the Punjab region (OR = 5.67, 95%CI = 2.10–15.31), women who delivered by caesarean section (OR = 1.91, 95% CI = 1.06–3.42) and reported having complications during pregnancy were more likely to develop obstetric fistula (OR = 1.96, 95%CI = 1.19–3.16).
Conclusions
Obstetric fistula is one of the neglected public and reproductive health concerns in Pakistan. To eliminate this preventable tragedy, there is a need for better emergency obstetric care facilities and the availability of a fistula repair service throughout the country.
Keywords
Obstetric fistula; Obstructed labour; Reproductive health; Pregnancy complications; Maternal health |
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